Added to this, approximately 80% of Japan’s oil imports are sourced from the Middle East, making them vulnerable to political instability in that region. Japan’s supplies of liquified natural gas (LNG) are more diversified, but, in addition to the 25% imported from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, a further 27% is sourced from Australia, 18% from Malaysia, 8% from Indonesia, and 5% from Brunei. Much of these supplies traverse the South China Sea, making them subject to the increasing tensions affecting that disputed body of water.

The Russian Arctic is therefore attractive as a new source, as well as an alternative route, for Japan’s energy imports.